P1.2 M worth of shabu seized in Capiz

By Jennifer P. Rendon and Felipe V. Celino

A couple and their cohort were arrested in an anti-narcotics operation early of Aug. 5, 2020 in Ivisan, Capiz.

The suspects were identified as spouses Jean Francis Lima, 34 and her husband, Jon Jon Lima, 38; and German Bolarde, 49, all residents of Poblacion Norte, Ivisan.

Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Capiz, Roxas City Police Station, Ivisan Police Station, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU)-Capiz recovered from the trio three plastic sachets of suspected shabu, P20,000 cash, a pouch, and a mobile phone.

Ma. Graziella Tanaleon, PDEA-6 spokesperson, said the seized drugs weighed 181 grams and valued at P1,230,800, based on Dangerous Drugs Board estimates.

Shortly after the operation, a police report valued the seized illegal drugs at P1,664,000. But hours later, they corrected it to P870,400.

“At the site, the estimated weight of seized shabu was 128 grams but when it was brought to the laboratory for weighing, it’s a little over 181 grams,” Tanaleon said.

Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo Jomuad, Jr., Roxas City police chief, said that their transaction with the suspects began in Roxas City.

Jon Jon was sent by his wife to pick-up the P20,000 from a police poseur-buyer.

Jomuad said they ended up in the nearby Ivisan town after they learned that the couple had more shabu supply.

It was gathered that the Lima couple was on the watchlist of illegal drug personalities.

Bolarde, Jean Francis’s cousin, is a Tokhang surrenderer.

Police Colonel Julio Gustilo, Capiz police chief, said the suspects got their supply in Metro Manila. Their supplier is a known drug personality from Capiz who opted to relocate in Metro Manila when police went hot on his trails

The suspects are now at the custody of Ivisan Police Station while charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2020) are being readied against them.